Showing posts with label struggle. Show all posts
Showing posts with label struggle. Show all posts

Saturday, February 1, 2025

Maggie's Journey, McKenna Sisters Book 1 by Lena Nelson Dooley

 



1885 It was interesting getting to know Maggie. Her parents had travelled to Portland on a wagon train, then moved to settle in Seattle. She and her mother were mostly at odds, and she never understood why. Maggie loved to design clothes, but her mother felt that was beneath her and too common, even though her own mother was a successful clothing designer and seamstress in her hometown. Maggie's 18th birthday became a turning point for them all, when she uncovered truths about her family and herself. This is a coming of age and self-discovery story, and the beginning of a series. Believable characters with believable struggles, and Christian strength in solving them. Very good read. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#MaggiesJourney #LenaNelsonDooley #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance #WildHeartBooks 

About the Book

Book: Maggie’s Journey

Author: Lena Nelson Dooley

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release date: January 7, 2025

A secret adoption, a quest for identity, and a love that could change her life forever.

Margaret Lenora Caine has never fit the mold her mother set for her. When Maggie discovers proof she was adopted, the rift between them only tears deeper. Feeling the sting of betrayal, Maggie requests permission to visit her grandmother in Little Rock, Arkansas. There she’ll set her sights on her dream of becoming a successful dress designer and maybe find her true identity in the process. Her father’s one condition is that she must be travel with her young aunt and her father’s handsome business partner, Charles Stanton—the man who once held her affections.

Charles Stanton, a thriving businessman, has taken a calculated risk by joining forces with Maggie’s father in a joint venture. When asked to chaperone his new partner’s sister-in-law and daughter on a cross-country trip, Charles sees it as an opportunity to strengthen their business ties. Though he initially sets his sights on Maggie’s charming and composed aunt as a potential wife, Charles soon finds himself increasingly captivated by Maggie’s resilience and charm.

With each passing mile, the bond between Maggie and Charles deepens, challenging both Maggie’s plans and her heart. Will the love growing between them help her embrace her identity—or complicate her search for what truly matters in life?

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author



Multi-published, award-winning author Lena Nelson Dooley has had more than 1,000,000 copies of her 50+ books sold. Her books have appeared on the CBA, Publisher’s Weekly, and ECPA bestseller lists, as well as Amazon bestseller lists. She is a member of American Christian Fiction and the local chapter, ACFW – DFW. She’s a member of Christian Authors’ Network. She likes to create characters and stories that grip her readers hearts.

 

 

 

Book Excerpt

“Mrs. Caine.” Angus McKenna came to an abrupt stop and cleared his throat before starting again. “I’ve come to ask you something that . . . I never dreamed I’d . . . ever ask anyone.” His voice rasped, and he stopped to take a gulp of air, staring off into the distance.

She couldn’t take her eyes from him, even when the baby in her arms squirmed. “How can we help you?”

New tears followed the trails down his cheeks and disappeared into his beard. He grabbed a bandanna from his back pocket and blew his nose with one hand. “I’ve just lost the most important thing in my life.” He paused and stared at the ground. “I don’t know how I can go on without her.” His voice cracked on the last word. Once again he paused, but much longer this time. His prominent Adam’s apple bobbed several times. “I’ve been crying out to God, but I don’t think He’s listening to me right now. If He were . . . ”

What a thing for a man to admit to them. Florence knew he must be near a breakdown. He did need help, but what could they do?

“I’ve decided . . . it would be best to find another family to raise one of my girls.” He stood straighter. “I’ve watched you with Margaret Lenora . . . ”

“Is that what you’ve named her?” Florence gazed at the sleeping baby, and her heart ached for the child. To grow up without a mother.

“Yes.” Angus looked straight at Joshua, and her husband gave a slow nod.

“Your husband has told me . . . how much you’ve wanted a child.”

For a moment, anger flared in her chest. Joshua shouldn’t share her secret with anyone. She took a deep breath to keep from saying something she’d regret. Even though she didn’t even look at her husband, she could feel his gaze deep inside. She was grateful he couldn’t see the ugly jealousy and covetousness that resided there.

Blog Stops

lakesidelivingsite, January 23
Babbling Becky L’s Book Impressions, January 24
Artistic Nobody, January 25 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, January 25
Texas Book-aholic, January 26
Locks, Hooks and Books, January 27
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, January 28
Devoted To Hope, January 29
Guild Master, January 30 (Author Interview)
Sylvan Musings, January 30
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, January 31
Books You Can Feel Good About, February 1
Simple Harvest Reads, February 2 (Guest Review from Donna Cline)
For Him and My Family, February 3
Holly’s Book Corner, February 4
Pause for Tales, February 5

Giveaway



To celebrate her tour, Lena is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon Gift Card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf54139


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Saturday, October 12, 2024

Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book 4) by Shannon McNear

 


Virginia Dare was the first child born in the New World. This is a fictional account of what could have happened to her with actual historical information used. As a teenager she was captured by a hostile Native American tribe and forced to be a slave. Interesting entanglements take place and she escapes to return to her people. A lot has happened and she has left a lasting impression on those around her. A story of strong Christian faith and how it changes lives. Very realistic and interesting, to learn how Native Americans lived as well. Good long read. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#Virginia #ShannonMcNear #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalFiction #BarbourFiction 


About the Book

Book: Virginia (Daughters of the Lost Colony Book Four)

Author: Shannon McNear

Genre: Christian Fiction / Historical Romance

Release date: September, 2024

The White Doe of the Outer Banks Grows into Womanhood

Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. In the spring of 1602 by English reckoning, “Ginny,” as she is called by family and friends, is fourteen and firmly considered a grown woman by the standards of the People. For her entire life she has watched the beautiful give-and-take of the Kurawoten and other native peoples with the English who came from across the ocean. She’s enjoyed being the darling of both English and Kurawoten alike—but a stirring deep inside her will not be put to rest.

One careless decision lands her and fellow “first baby” Henry Harvie, along with their Croatoan friend Redbud, in enemy hands. Carried away into Mangoac territory, out of the reach of Manteo and the others, she must learn who she truly is—not only the daughter of Elinor and Ananias Dare but also a child of the One True God, who gives her courage to go wherever the path of her life might lead.

 

Click here to get your copy!

 

About the Author

Transplanted to North Dakota after more than two decades in the Deep South, Shannon McNear loves losing herself in local history. She’s the author of four novellas, the first a 2014 RITA® nominee and the most recent a 2021 SELAH winner, and six full-length novels. Her greatest joy, however, is in being a military wife, mom, mother-in-law, and grammie. She’s been a contributor to Colonial Quills and The Borrowed Book, and is a current member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Faith, Hope, & Love Christian Writers. When not cooking, researching, or leaking story from her fingertips, she enjoys being outdoors, basking in the beauty of the northern prairies.

 

More fron Shannon

So—here we are! I am just so, SO, sooo blessed to get to be on Celebrate Lit yet again. And book FOUR of my Lost Colony series! Initially I thought two, maybe three books. I pretty much disregarded the possibility of writing Virginia Dare’s story because, well, there’s a good bit of mythology surrounding her, and I felt absolutely no inclination to tackle any of that.

Until early last year. The idea dropped into my head and seemed too obvious to turn away. I didn’t have much idea of what would actually happen in the story, although I knew I wanted to explore the identity of the Mangoac, who held the interior of what is now North Carolina and Virginia when the Spanish and the English first arrived in the New World. They spoke an Iroquoian language and were referred to with dread and distaste among all their neighbors, including the Powhatan. Those people are what we know now as the Tuscarora.

Little was known of the Tuscarora before John Lawson wrote of his journey through the Carolinas in 1700-01. A few years later, Lawson himself met with a fairly horrible death at the hands of the Tuscarora (one wonders what he might have done to tick them off), and tensions soon escalated between settlers and indigenous peoples into all-out war. After their defeat by the English, the Tuscarora people moved northward and became the sixth nation of the Iroquois Confederacy.

They call themselves Skaru:re—pronounced sgah-ROOO-rah (with that long “ooh” held out a little extra)—translated variously as “Long-Shirt People” or “Hemp People,” for the garments they would weave from “Indian hemp,” also known as milkweed. The Tuscarora word for milkweed does indeed contain the same root as Skaru:re, but no one knows when as a people they might have made the transition from merely using milkweed fiber for cording or twine to spinning and weaving it into fabric, as the English did flax for linen.

I decided to have a bit of fun in my story, then, with Ginny being questioned about the making of a linen garment, and then a later mention of a “rough, twiny fabric.” I’d meant to expand upon that a bit, or at least address it in the historical notes at the end—and then completely forgot until working through the galleys.

So I get to talk about it—now. 😊

You might guess that both details, which may feel random to the casual reader, are a nod to the translation of the name Skaru:re, and to the influence that either the Spanish or the English might have had on various Native people groups. A good author endeavors, of course, to not have any random details littering a story. In Virginia, many small things point back to previous stories—there are hints of connection to Rebecca as well even though either story could be read before the other. By the same token, all four books are what we could term alternate history—a reach beyond what is known into what might have been. I think it most likely that as Native peoples acquired European fashions, they used what they already had (in the case of the Skaru:re, a familiarity with milkweed and other materials to provide fiber) to produce garments and other items modeled after what the Spanish and English used. They were nothing if not eager to take advantage of new technologies—and what if their contact with members of the Lost Colony was what sparked the idea behind their famed “long shirts”?

A stretch, for sure. But there’s a reason why I’ve always enjoyed writing speculative fiction as well as historical. 😊

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Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Shannon is giving away the grand prize of a $25 Amazon e-Gift Card and a print copy of the book!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/00adcf5458







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Wednesday, June 19, 2024

With Each Tomorrow by Tracie Peterson; Kimberley Woodhouse

 


(The Jewels of Kalispell Book #2): (A Christian Historical Romance Series by Bestselling Authors set in Montana with Mystery and Intrigue)

1904 Montana. Ellie and her father come to town working to start a new National Park there. It happened to be a town where the railroad is moving out, relocating, which is upsetting to all who already live in the town and work for the railroad. As they begin to discover, there are powers and politics involved from all across the country. She and Carter don't hit it off at all. Each has problems and obstacles to work out and grow in their faith. 

I received this book free from the authors, publisher and NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#WithEachTomorrow #NetGalley #TraciePeterson #KimberleyWoodhouse #BethanyHousePublishers #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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Tuesday, January 9, 2024

A Christmas Baby at Goodwill House by Fenella J Miller

 



Joanna is closing out Goodwill House and moving the family to a restored manse. While it's being restored, they're all still living at Goodwill House and up and down living continues as the War goes on. Newly married to John, they are separated most of the time because of the war, and each has rocky times. Her baby is due just before Christmas, so they focus on that somewhat. Interesting tale as they all cope with wartime issues. Disappointing, wobbling between atheism and prayers as convenient. Somewhat abrupt ending but overall a good read with likeable characters.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#AChristmasBabyatGoodwillHouse #NetGalley #FenellaJMiller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #BoldwoodBooks #HistoricalFiction  

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Thursday, August 10, 2023

Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart by Misty Beller


Dinah is a doctor, leaving with her sister who was to be a mail order bride. They had seen an advertisement and prayed about it. When they finally get to the ranch it isn't what they expected - he hadn't placed the ad. Oh boy. Turning back isn't an option and Dinah is needed because of an accident, so they stay on at the ranch. Even though Jerico didn't place the ad they all slowly realize that they need these ladies. The struggles, which are many, run deep for all of them. And they all have their secrets. Sweet romance with good faith lessons. 

I received this book free from the author, publisher and CelebrateLit book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#HealingTheMountainMansHeart #MistyBeller #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #FiveStarNovel #CelebrateLit #ChristianHistoricalRomance


About the Book

 


Book: Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart

Author: Misty M. Beller

Genre: Christian Historical Romance

Release Date: August 15, 2023

In the wild mountains of the Montana Territory, the Coulter ranch is a place of family, loyalty…and a hidden fortune.

Jericho Coulter, the eldest of six fiercely devoted brothers, is entrusted with safeguarding his family and the secret that binds them together: the Sapphire mine. To keep tragedy from striking again, he allows no outsiders on their land. When two women stumble upon their ranch, claiming Jericho himself sent for one of them as a mail-order bride, he aims to send them straight back where they came from.
Dinah Wyatt, a talented and determined doctor, wasn’t about to let her twin sister travel to Montana alone and marry a stranger. Dinah’s skills are immediately put to the test when one of the younger Coulter brothers is gravely injured, forcing the family to trust his life to her.As Dinah and her sister become entwined in the Coulter family’s life, sparks fly between the enigmatic Jericho and the captivating doctor. In a world where trust is hard to come by and secrets hold the power to change lives, Jericho and Dinah must learn that sometimes, the most precious secrets are those buried within our own hearts.

From a USA Today bestselling author comes a mountain family saga filled with a mail-order bride, hidden treasure, and love that heals wounded hearts. 

Click here to get your copy! 

About the Author

Misty M. Beller is a USA Today bestselling author of romantic mountain stories, set on the 1800s frontier and woven with the truth of God’s love.

Raised on a farm and surrounded by family, Misty developed her love for horses, history, and adventure. These days, her husband and children provide fresh adventure every day, keeping her both grounded and crazy.

Misty’s passion is to create inspiring Christian fiction infused with the grandeur of the mountains, writing historical romance that displays God’s abundant love through the twists and turns in the lives of her characters.

Sharing her stories with readers is a dream come true for Misty. She writes from her country home in South Carolina and escapes to the mountains any chance she gets.

 

More from Misty

Sapphires in Montana? Are you sure? 

When I was brainstorming ideas for my new series, I knew I wanted the stories to be set on a ranch amidst the breathtaking beauty of the Montana mountains. But I wanted something a little more unusual than that. I know, what could be more special than a ranch in the Rockies? 

So I brought the conundrum to some writer friends and asked for help brainstorming. There’s nothing quite so fascinating as a group of writers in full brainstorming mode. Since the series is set during the mining boom in Montana, we discussed the idea of some kind of mine on the ranch, but not gold or silver. Or even copper. The remarkable Sarah Erredge (who writes as S.E. Warren) suggested Sapphires. 

That thought immediately grabbed hold of me (especially since the Sapphire is the birthstone for my month of September). But I’d never heard of Sapphires being discovered in Montana. That seemed impossible… Right? 

Until some quick research showed there are three well-known pockets of Sapphires in the state! Rock Creek is one of those locations and is positioned perfectly for where I wanted to set my story—west of Helena and about a half day’s ride from the Mullan Road. 

The timing of Sapphire discoveries in the state is perfect for my series as well. Early prospectors searching for gold in the gravel of the Missouri River repeatedly discarded the annoying blue pebbles that continually clogged their sluices without much thought to what they may be. It wasn’t discovered that these “pebbles” were Sapphires until 1895 when a man named Ed Coulter forwarded samples of these stones to Tiffany & Co. When Tiffany purchased the lot for $3,750 (approximately $110,300 as of 2018) and declared that the stones were “sapphires of unusual quality,” a small-scale sapphire rush began. 

This rush is exactly what the Coulter brothers in the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch series are trying to avoid. That’s why they keep the Sapphire mine on their property secret during this first book in the series, Healing the Mountain Man’s Heart. 

I pray you love book 1 in this new series and fall as deeply in love with this ranch in the Rockies as I have, especially with the Brothers of Sapphire Ranch.  

Blessings!

Misty

Blog Stops

Giveaway

To celebrate her tour, Misty is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon gift card!!

Be sure to comment on the blog stops for nine extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.

https://promosimple.com/ps/272f6/healing-the-mountain-man-s-heart-celebration-tour-giveaway


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Thursday, April 6, 2023

Where the Road Bends by Rachel Fordham

 



1880 Iowa. Historical fiction. Norah is engaged, having done so that she wouldn't lose her farm. She sees some buzzards circling in her field and finds a badly hurt man. Then both of their lives change. Things don't go as you might expect but that's what makes the story interesting. A story full of struggle and love, people finding a safe haven and given the chance to make things right, start a new way and reach out to others to help them have a good life too. Great read.

I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#NetGalley #WhereTheRoadBends #RachelFordham #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

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Thursday, March 23, 2023

Rosie's Gamble by Linda Carroll-Bradd

 



1893 this is a story about Rosie and Beck. She was unhappy and unwanted in her stepfather's house. Beck had posted a wish for a bride to go on the Oklahoma land rush and claim a spot for his new store. They communicate by letter and decide that she'll go to him, and they'll try to get a claim. She's a doctor and very independent, used to taking care of herself. Well written clean romance as they get to know each other and struggle with issues, with each other and with others. Good read right to the end.
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.

#NetGalley #RosiesGamble #LindaCarroll-Bradd #BacklitPR #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout #ChristianHistoricalFiction #FiveStarNovel

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Tuesday, December 20, 2022

Five and Dime Christmas by Susanne Dietze; Patty Smith Hall; Cynthia Hickey; Christina Lorenzen


Four Historical Novellas
1881 Scranton PA isn't far from where we live. I miss the old Woolworths store we had in our town. Always a great place to be. They always had what you needed. This book is great to read, with these authors it could be nothing less. Sweet Christian romances for four of the girls who work at the store, all with different circumstances and struggles, and four perfectly unique men who were meant to make their lives better. Easy to love each of them. 
I received this book free from the author, publisher and NetGalley book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
#FiveandDimeChristmas #NetGalley #ChristianHistoricalRomance #BooksYouCanFeelGoodAbout

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